Thursday, May 30, 2013

Remember that awesome account in scripture of the blind man determined to receive his sight? It's recorded in a couple of places. The book of Mark identifies the man as "blind Bartimaeus", but I like the account from Luke 18:35-43 a bit better because, by not being identified in it, the man fits the circumstance of anyone looking for Jesus, bound by any kind of blindness, in any area of life. Here’s the scripture:

35 Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging. 36 And hearing a multitude passing by, he asked what it meant. 37 So they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Then those who went before warned him that he should be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him, 41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, that I may receive my sight.” 42 Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God."

Friends, our Daddy will no more refuse the heart of His creation calling out to Him in sincerity than you would ignore the vocal alarm of your own progeny sincerely asking for help, whether they're saved or not.

He will always lift up His eyes to those in need, truly asking of Him and truly seeking His mercy, forgiveness, and understanding. That’s how we all got saved, isn’t it?

The Lord says, "... he who comes unto Me, I will in no wise cast out."(John 6:37)

A Common Plea

I’ve always loved the Crystal Lewis song entitled “Change My Heart” because, for everyone, salvation begins with that outcry in declaration of our undone condition before Him. Before we’re saved and afterward, this same contrition leads us to fruitful life in Him. There’s no way any one of us hasn't said these words in one form or another in our walk with Him: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”Or, as it is so poignantly put in Lewis’ song:

“Change my heart, O, God - from the sinful state it’s in to the state YOU want it in - I want to please You.”

All of the Redeemed have walked on that road, and it’s exactly what God wants.

If you haven't already - cry out to Him today; He won't chastise you. If you've got a burden on your heart, He will hear you and lift you up. He will lovingly forgive and save the sin-sick soul and will strengthen and guide the steps of those already belonging to Him.

Don't be afraid.My mother used to say, “King Jesus is listening all night long just to hear some sinner pray.” That’s true, but He’s also listening, always, just to hear ANYBODY pray!Saint and sinner alike all need Jesus. Beloved, reach out your hand to Him today. He will gladly receive it. Take it from one who knows...DADDY'S GIRL

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I didn't attend my high school's Senior Prom, but my Goddaughter Jessica is all set to attend hers this weekend. All the lipstick, glitter, and hair twists are poised for their debut.Jessica Ida is a beautiful 17-year-old child of God who the Lord graciously allowed me to help raise; I've been an active part of her life since she was four months old. She's Lynette's youngest daughter and has grown up faster and stronger than rope weeds on a patio deck, folks.As seasons change from winter's cold to spring's delight to summer's inviting warmth, so seasons of life have changed for all of us, including Jessica. Lord willing, she's entering college in the fall and, for her, that means a whole new way of life will begin.God protects us, guides us, and keeps us through every season of life. In truth, He faithfully arrives there way before us and clears away all rocks, sticks, cracks, and boulders in life's path to make things as easy and as comfortable as He can for His beloved. He knows and understands that the realm of "unknowns" can be stressful enough, without ridiculous and unnecessary, enemy-strewn obstacles blocking our paths.God is cool, and merciful, and kind.My prayer for my Goddaughter Jessica is that, as God unfolds the petals of His plan of life for her, she will regard His road signs and directionals with as much care as possible - knowing that His ways are always perfect, and His will for her is rife with reward.What an exciting time you are facing, Jess; and God's very best is yet to come!From My Heart,Daddy's Girl

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Today is my 48th Gregorian calendar birthday, and the Lord favored me last night with a visit from my sweetheart nephew, Reuben. Daddy knew what would make my heart smile; he's been a gift to my life for 42 years.I've written briefly about his tender heart in another Daddy's Girl post, and he hasn't changed. He's still a gentle giant (he's built like a tank and looks terrific!) with the heart of a puppy. That's awesome.

"Kerona" & Reuben

Here he is with a four-footed friend he once knew. You see what I mean by being built like a tank; he's since grown even bigger! He's got a profile on Google Plus, so I don't mind giving you a glimpse of him (sort of). He loves the Lord, is hardworking - and currently unavailable, ladies!He and I were raised together by the same Godly woman we both call "Ma". Absolutely. To say the least, I love Reuben very, very much. Visiting with him for about an hour before he got back on the road was the perfect, special birthday gift from Daddy; nobody favors us like our God! :0)I consider the history Reuben and I share a blessing from God and just wanted to express my thanksgiving to the Lord, publicly, for enabling one who shares both kinship and covenant relationship in Christ with me to remain in my life after all these years.Thank you, Jesus!And thank you, friends, for reading...Daddy's Girl

Thursday, May 23, 2013

"And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." (Gen. 2:25)It's God's desire to bring all of us back to the state of innocence and purity mankind held in the Garden of Eden. The earth will be restored to that state, and Heaven will be linked to it once more and forever in the powerful consummation to come. But what I was really pondering with this scripture verse is the total condition of man with God before sin interfered. Adam and Eve were both completely naked before God and each other, and were not ashamed. That's powerful.Think of the connotations of the word "naked" regarding our relationship to Daddy and that passage takes on a whole new, revelatory meaning. Descriptors like exposed, dependent, vulnerable, accessible, humble, honest, come to mind and earnestly define avenues of intimate relationship the Lord enjoys with the Godhead. God is delighted by our total dependence upon Him. That word "total" carries heavy meaning, friends. Every nook and cranny of our lives it encompasses; I mean everything. God is also enthralled by our complete honesty with Him, our unending accessibility to the Godhead, our humility and willing submission to all of Their operatives.When you really consider it, these same attributes exist in the person of God towards us. He has done everything within His power to clear mankind's way to Him, that we may come boldly and unashamed before His Throne which He does not hide from us. It's only evil that will not stand in His Presence; mankind, as He fashioned us, is entirely welcomed. The Blood of Jesus washes us clean of sin and evil perpetrations so that we can come before Him and eat from His hand. By the Father's very own will and design, we are being brought to the point in Him where, as scripture declares, we "shall see His face." If that's not transparency - yes, even "nakedness" of our Father's heart, mind, will, and emotions - I don't know what is.At times, our sinful condition or apathy towards Abba will necessitate His hiding from us for a season but, rest assured, His true and heartfeltdesire is to be with us and have us with Him. Jesus made special mention of this in the Gethsemane prayer:

“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world." (John 17:24)

The most sacredly cherished, precious, and holy possession of the Godhead is Their relationship with each other. The "glory" Christ Jesus had and has with Abba is His imperishably priceless oneness with Him, and that's what He asked the Father to show us! His nakedness with the Godhead - in exposure, transparency, vulnerability, honesty, and willing dependence (as our Example) - He wants us to behold for eternity! Hallelujah! Think about that. Thank You, Jesus.In light of this, it seems not so much to ask that we give our all to Daddy. It seems part of our reasonable service that we present ourselves a living sacrifice in all ways to Him, daily. As Christ prayed that we might behold Him, dear ones, so He longs and desires to behold us; He desires to partake in the "glory" of our union with the Father and Holy Spirit. Us in Them, and Them in us; after all, we were created to love and fellowship with Them, eternally. It was Abba's pleasure to form us from the dust of the ground and impart Himself to us in the Breath of Life reserved in His own body to bring forth our existence. Oh, Saints, we are His delight!He loves us all - saved or unsaved - and desires the fulfillment of reconciliation Christ died for to take affect in every life that every living being in mankind's stream may "glory" in relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit always!Gives a whole new meaning to the idea of getting naked before Him, doesn't it?Daddy's Girl

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

It's always extremely gratifying to hear from God that He has "not forgotten you". I got a birthday word from Daddy, through my Pastor, that included those words.For the most part, we go along through life's courses remembering God's promises and trying to hold on to them but, sometimes, the heavier, more "sensitive", time-consuming ones get pushed back on the storage shelves of our awareness (either due to unbelief or) so that we can go on living without slipping into whining, complaining, or - worst of all - discouragement regarding their fulfillment.God's timing is perfect - He also assured and reminded me of that in the birthday word. I've needed to hear all those things but, especially, I needed reassurance that Daddy hasn't abandoned the vision for my life (even though I've been tempted to abandon it). One part of me says, "of course He hasn't, Sharon" - that's the part governed by Holy Spirit. The other portion - the doubting, fearing, harassing portion, which is really the enemy acting as ventriloquist to my flesh - is the portion best ignored, rebuked, and cast out of my "house" permanently.

Thank God for spiritual warfare. Thank God for His numerous and powerful avenues by which we His children can take Christ's authority over enemy operatives and literally throw them out of the forum of our hearts, minds, wills, and emotions. Christ would not have us ignorant, barren, or without power in Him, emulating His works of authority and even greater works than His, because He has accomplished our reconciliation with Daddy in Heaven. Hallelujah! Who is like our God?So, since I do believe the truth of His finished work, I choose also to continue to believe He hasn't forgotten me, even in the most vulnerable places. The promise of husband and children - even in my 'old'-er age (I'm not Methuselah after all - I'm just "up there" for bearing children) He has not abandoned, and neither should I. The scope of ministry He has proclaimed over my life - and is fulfilling with the blogs and Glory Shield website - are proof of His unending veracity.When struggling with having faith in the super-sensitive trenches, I've discovered the best thing to do is always come clean with God and then declare your choice to believe, no matter what. Abba knows what you're feeling anyway... He just wants you to trust Him enough to tell Him about it. He won't zap us for saying, "God, I'm struggling to believe; I'm struggling to hold on in this area", because He already knows we are. But whether or not we trust His heart towards us enough to "go there" with Him is what He wants to know. Will we try to hide, regardless? Or will we sit down with Him and unload it all - doubts, fears, unbelief, struggles, sin, shame - the whole ball of wax? Is He regarded as Friend enough by us that we will do this? Do we believe and trust His tender invitation to conference?

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

In each of us, Daddy's working on faithfully informing us, time and again, that there's no need to hide. His persevering love follows us wherever we go, and His list of promises to us never gets shoved in a corner or relegated to nowhere like ours does. Our loving Father never forgets us. Never.Saints, continue to cling to ALL of God's promises over your lives, knowing that He Who made them is Faithful. That's a great word...In Christ's Name,Daddy's Girl

Saturday, May 18, 2013

I hope it's more often than not. That's what it's really all about, beloved.And when we take our eyes off of this, we stray.I once asked the Lord if it was okay with Him that all I wanted to do in His Presence was cry. I had no fancy, flowery words or phrases to offer; all I wanted to do in His Presence was hold on to Him like a little girl clings to her father in silence (with my heart doing all the 'speaking'). I asked Him if He minded that all I wanted to do in His Presence was love on Him, kiss Him, hug Him... and cry.

I sincerely wanted to be assured it was okay with Him, and His reply was loving and simple. He said,"Of course it is. It's what I'm here for. It's what Iwant, beloved; that's why it's on your heart this way. It's what Ihave prescribed for communion with My children, that they pour out their hearts unto Me. And I never get tired of your tears and affection. I never tire of your hugs or of you telling Me you love Me. When you squeeze Me, the substance of Life in Me pours out over your entire being, and you are changed to more of Me. That's My whole goal for your life - to impart My Substance and 'Being' unto you."Isn't that beautiful?While I cry, Daddy blesses me; while I cry, Daddy cleanses me; while I cry, Daddy comforts me and calls me "His Own". Oh, and these are good cries, beloved; cries of adoration and thanksgiving. But He lovingly receives my tears of anguish as well; He redeems and heals and covers it all. It's always all good with God, Saints. And He never gets bored or tired of our love.I praise and dance before Him and, always, He delivers me and cleanses me of the poisons of the day. Then He speaks words of love, truth, and encouragement to my heart, as Holy Spirit renews my covenant with Him, sealing me even further to His warm and loving side. He is protective and jealous over my time and attention. He desires and welcomes my love. He is Tender, Faithful, and Kind. He is Delightful in Joy and Splendor.He's our big, strong Daddy - and our LIFE and BREATH forever.Holding His Hand and Praising His Name,DADDY'S GIRL

Thursday, May 16, 2013

I've glimpsed Holy Spirit donning an apron before He speaks to me about how to add things to the right recipes to make things taste delicious (without Him, I'm hopeless and helpless in the kitchen). I've glimpsed Him draping seamstress tape about His neck to help my best friend Lynette with her sewing. And, during corporate worship, I've seen Christ slip into position in front of a heavenly piano and run His fingertips over the black-and-whites to generate the sounds of our deliverance. God is good, Saints.

"I Am that I Am." My mom always told me that, when He says "I Am", He also means, "I will" - as in, I will be all that My children need Me to be. Hallelujah. He is the Eternal Living Provider for all His people. He is God Almighty and, when necessary, He is chief cook and bottle washer. He is our Example - inexhaustibly - of Godly living before our children and all others. He does it ALL, constantly, without feelings of shame, embarrassment, or degradation... through Love.He washed the disciples' feet so that, in Him, they would also wash each others' feet. He thought it not robbery to do so, friends; neither should we. It's what His definition of Love is all about. Oh, I want to be like Him! Don't you?

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another." (John 13:34)

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I've been doing a lot of posting about my mom this month here and on my other blogs because this is the month she went to Heaven 21 years ago, May 30th.

My memories and love of her are strong, and God has long-since graciously removed the grieving shroud I wore for many years after her passing. My memories are blessed...As I write this I've found a gorgeous Frilly Pansy which reminds me of the springtime shopping excursions we took happily each year once I was settled into working for a local newspaper. My earthly father didn't indulge her love of spring and summer flowers, vegetable gardens, and generally beautiful things, but I did. I made it a point to do so because I loved her, and because going "flower shopping" - as she called it - gave me a glimpse of my mom's whimsical "kid-in-a-candy-store" side, which I relished.

As I said, she loved plants and working with the earth and living things. Pansies were a favorite flower of hers, and I've always found them strikingly beautiful. Look at this phenomenal flower and tell me, what's not to love?$100.00 for seeds - that's what I'd earmark for floral gardens, herbs, and fresh vegetables we'd harvest (well, she'd harvest) from grape arbors and crop rows until autumn frost; I kid you not. Back then, that amount of money purchased a lot of Burpees! She loved it. Gardening was her delight, and she was mine.The priceless example of Jesus Christ she lived before me for 27 years has indelibly glued me to His loving side. To say I appreciate Ma, her constant prayers, and unconditional love of me is such an understatement, it's almost an insult. But sometimes words fail even the best of God's poets! ;0)I only know I love the Lord and, eternally, I love and bless my mother for all she lived of God before me. The Lord knows exactly who to give as soldiers of the cross living the life of Jesus in front of silly, rebellious kids. I believe He matched us perfectly... and the "seed" of Christ's love within me is the very best she ever planted. Thank You, Daddy, for my loving mom and her love of beautiful flowers.Blessing God for Precious Memories,DADDY'S GIRL

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I remember the first time I saw a sparrow and realized it. I was out with my mother, and a flock of the wee ones formed a community in a bunch of hedges where we parked. She and I sat in the car, and I saw and heard the bushes rustle. Then, one of the sparrows hopped onto the sidewalk for a little foraging, I presumed. "Look at that tiny bird!," I recall saying to Ma.

"That's a sparrow," she replied.Realizing what she'd said, I looked again at the teensie creature, through widened eyes."That's a sparrow?!" I exclaimed.I didn't see her face, but I could sense the smile on it as she affirmed, "Yep. And not one of them falls that the Lord doesn't see it and know about it. He marks the fall of every sparrow."

That was the first time I'd actually connected the dots of that scripture's true meaning to how it pertained to the staggeringly detailed attentiveness of our great God. Ma linked every lesson of life to scripture constantly and, oh, how it blessed and marked my little soul!That brings me to a scripture passage I read Monday that equally touched my heart. It's about the Ethiopian eunuch, a man of great authority who worshiped the Hebrew God... you remember:

"And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go near and overtake this chariot.' So Philip ran to him and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. The place in the Scripture which he read was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away, and who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth."So the eunuch answered Philip and said, 'I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?' Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, 'See, here is water, what hinders me from being baptized?' Then Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' So he commanded the chariot to stand still, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him." Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing." (Acts 8:28-39)

Friends, just as the Lord knew the indelible impact seeing that three-inch sparrow would have on my child-like heart, He also knew the innocent, humble, child-like sincerity of the heart of that Ethiopian and supernaturally intervened to baptize his sweet, believing soul into the family of Christ. Child-like faith is so powerful and so important to the Heart of God. He will silence all of Heaven's functions to listen to us pray... He will speak salvation to the heart of a dying thief on a cross expressing love and belief in Him; He will heal a feeble woman of a 12-year affliction in answer to her faith... and He will bolster a young girl's confidence in His microscopically-detailed commitment to her and all His children, by revealing the minuscule frame of every sparrow He monitors day by day, then have a wise woman of God link that truth to His great love.My favorite part of that scripture is where the Ethiopian - like a little child loosed in an amusement park - says, "See, here is water... what prevents me from being baptized?" I picture him pointing to the water as they rode up to it (like kids do when they're excited), and it touches me. The sincerity of his heart in that utterance breaks me up every time. Then he made sure he said what he believed, "I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD." Saints, I love that! Lord willing, me and that Ethiopian are going to have a great talk some day. :0)Come to Daddy like a child, and He'll move every mountain for you. He'll translate you and show you sparrows... and compass land and sea to secure you to His Bosom. We matter so very much to Him!Amen.Loving and Praising our Tenderhearted God Always,DADDY'S GIRL

Saturday, May 11, 2013

I was so touched recently by a video I saw of a little New York girl who wanted to see her daddy on a special "field day" held at her school. Her father's a dedicated military man, often away from home. He didn't believe he'd make the event, but told her he'd try.Apparently, this little girl - no more than a youngster of seven or eight years - is the type who really loves her daddy... that's how nearly all little girls start out. So she took his word and, although honestly saddened by the soaring odds she wouldn't see him on that day, she attended the school's big event and made the best of it.God gave them a bright, sunshiny day and the school's playing field teemed with frolicking students and varied sporting events. The little girl ran the obstacle courses and high-fived students and teachers like the good-natured child she seemed to be - all the while having no idea her father had arranged to be there to surprise her at the event.Her mom, school teachers, and faculty all kept that secret as the precious little girl did her best to buck up, chin up, and enjoy the day without seeing her beloved father.Then came the big moment.As she finished running an obstacle course, happily (or so it seemed), one of the teachers called her to a mini-camera taping the events and high-fived her. She returned the gesture, pleasantly. Then the teacher thanked her for high-fiving him and for high-fiving her own teacher, and then he added [paraphrasing] but you haven't high-fived your dad yet... and here he is to be with you on your special day!

Friends, when that little girl caught sight of her daddy, all the tears she'd obviously held right at the top of her emotions all day just burst through the gates of her protections and brave resolve... and she RAN to his arms atop sweet floodwaters of relief and adoration for that man, the likes of which I haven't seen in decades!

The best part for me was that, when he spotted her, the big strong military man got down on one knee, held his arms out for his little girl, and folded them around her heartily and lovingly as she just melted on his neck, with her little tummy pounding and heaving against his chest. She cried her eyes out holding and loving her daddy and, while she did, he didn't move a muscle. He held his little girl for as long as she needed to hold on to him, and he let her joy and love flow into him as she stood there - unashamed and not even remembering people were around. After all, she was holding on to her daddy, friends... she wanted him there so badly, and he came! Her daddy... her daddy... hers. Merciful God. It was beautiful.I watched that video and cried my tear ducts dry!Then the Lord sweetly said to me, "Beloved, it never gets any more complicated than that with you and Me; with Me and any of My children. Holding on to Me just like that - just as you see that little girl do with her father - is all that I require of you in relationship to Me. All that I have given you of life and Godliness and your calling as pastor and teacher in nourishment to the Body of Christ... it ALL springs from that avenue of honesty and genuine love between you and Me. All of it. And I never expect any more of you than for you to want to see 'your Daddy', hold 'your Daddy', and be with 'your Daddy' always. You are forever My child, and I will do everything else required for your success in Me. I will always kneel down and steady Myself so that you can hold on to Me and love Me and squeeze Me and cry on Me all that you need, for as long as you need, beloved; while I wrap My arms around you. I love you."Friends, lay your head upon your Father's breast; cry upon His neck and tell Him that you love Him, every day. Don't even think about who else is around... it's just you and Daddy, always. Be benefited by the truth of His outstanding Love for you, and know that He will never leave you, nor forsake you; but He'll be there - always - He'll be there.Hugging and Loving on Him Forever,Daddy's Girl

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

I've
come to love asking the Lord what I call “nitty-gritty” questions. He
loves receiving them from me.

Over the
years of serving and loving Him, growing closer to His will, plan, and
directives for my life I've learned a great deal about His character in terms
of His patience, mercy, and true identification with mankind.

Also,
my questions never come from the standpoint of accusation (a result of Holy
Spirit’s Wisdom), but always from a heart of sincerity, seeking truth. A few years ago, after enduring a rough “time
of the month”, I asked the Lord about menstrual cramps.Although my inquiry came from honest
perplexity, at the time I was also a bit tweaked at being female in general
(and Daddy knew that).During my
personal time with the Godhead, a question to Jesus went something like this:

Me:No
offense, Lord, but when You were on earth You were a man; how could You possibly have known about the pain and
irritation women go through with menstrual bleeding and cramps? And how could You actually identify with something like that?

[In
hindsight, I shake my head at my ludicrous, one-dimensional notion that God Almightywouldn’t know every nuance involved with
menstrual pain and cramping whether He experienced life here as a “male” or
not!But our awesome God didn’t mock or
laugh at me; He simply - and powerfully - answered my question.]

Jesus:Remember the woman with the issue of blood the scriptures talk
about?When her faith touched my
clothing, I entered into a Godly exchange - one I would repeat at Calvary - of
her infirmity for My wholeness, health, and healing.When My virtue went into her as her faith was
released, she gave Me all she had in ailment and infirmity, and I destroyed it
by My power over life and death and the Father’s ability within Me to redeem
and release all things from the power and influence of the enemy. When I took on that infirmity for her sake, I
took on all “knowing” of it also; of its tendrils and tentacles and root causes
and involvements, just as if it were afflicting Me.I bore the grief and sorrow of it so that
precious daughter could be released.I
know menstrual pain and its afflictions and abnormalities better than you do
and, if you come to Me, I can relieve your pain.

Saints,
to say that I was humbled by what was said during our time together would be an
immense understatement.But what I am
particularly touched by is that, when God clarifies, He also enlightens and
educates... always.He IS virtue; and
the overwhelming power of it within Him is released unto us by the very mention
of His Name, in faith.Friends, the Lord
is wonderful, and always ready and
willing to lend clarity and truth and answers to ALL of our questions.I have learned there is no need to ever be
afraid to approach Him with a pure heart seeking truth.He knows the difference between an accusatory
countenance and a pure one, and He wholeheartedly welcomes every soul seeking
to benefit from His miraculous insight and omniscience.